The Game Changer: The Final Score

by Trio, L. M.

  “He left early. Asked me to lock up tonight,” she answers, picking her head up from her desk to glance at me.

  I look at her blankly, waiting to see if she elaborates. Jazz puts down her pencil and leans back in her chair. “Is there something you want to talk about? What happened last night?”

  “Why? Did he say something?”

  “Not really, but some guy came in here last night. He was admiring your work when I walked up behind him. He seemed to know a lot about you. Frank interceded and I got the feeling they needed some privacy so I left them alone. Frank said it was someone from your past?” she replies inquisitively.

  I fill Jazz in. Even though Jazz isn’t much older than me, she’s worldlier than me and I often look to her for advice. Only this time, Jazz doesn’t offer any.

  “Oh no, Jess… I only know you and Frank. I know nothing about your relationship with this other guy. I have no business giving you advice. This is something only you can decide.”

  ***

  (Luke)

  When morning arrives, I’m full of nervous energy and need to burn it off. I’m glad Mikey and David are still asleep so I can be alone for a while. I leave a note for David, telling him to call my cell if he wants to meet me at the game tonight. After showering, I jump on my bike and speed off to go work out. The warm sun and breeze feel good as I race through the traffic.

  I try to think about the good things happening in my life right now. My pitching has been looking pretty impressive since I’ve been back. I feel good about having that one part of my life under control. My future plans consist of working hard at having it all back.

  After my work out, I spend a good amount of time driving around and thinking about my future, our future. I arrive home mid-afternoon while Mikey rests up on the couch.

  “Hey, what time did you leave this morning, I didn’t hear you?” he asks.

  “It was early. I had to get out,” I answer, sitting on the chair across from him. “David leave?” I ask, looking around.

  “Yeah, he was meeting Cheryl for breakfast. He said he’ll text you later about the game.”

  “How was he? I guess he’s pissed at me.”

  “Nah, you know David, he’s just worried about her. He’ll get over it. It’ll be fine.”

  I hope he’s right. I change the subject, trying to get my mind off of JJ. “Fill me in on this Cheryl chick. What’s she like? I’m surprised David is seein’ someone. Well, then again, it’s been about five years since Olivia passed away. God, I can’t believe that much time has passed.” I think back to when I first met JJ and it was all so new to her, being without her mom. I feel as though I had known Olivia from all of the stories I heard from JJ and David. Mikey gives me the details about Cheryl and her relationship with David.

  “Huh. What does JJ think about it?”

  “She’s happy. She doesn’t want to see him alone, especially since she lives here now. It bothers her leaving him alone.” I nod my head in agreement, once again, reminded that I’m the reason she never went home to visit. Mikey picks up on my guilt. “She likes Cheryl. She really helped JJ with the fundraiser this year. They really get along.”

  “Good,” I answer, hating that I feel completely left out of her life.

  “Yo, I want you to take a ride with me. I want to show you a property I’m thinkin’ about buyin’. I want your opinion. We’ll swing by on our way to the game.”

  “Cool,” I answer, happy to have the distraction.

  We speed down the highway towards St. Pete’s. I follow Mikey off the exit ramp, and we head in a direction that is very familiar to me. As we get closer to the street, I pull over, waiting for Mikey to pull alongside of me.

  “Yo, where are you takin’ me? Did you buy my house or somethin’?” I yell over the sound of our motors.

  He laughs. “No, I didn’t buy your house,” he says, speeding off and taking the lead.

  I haven’t thought about my house until now. I assumed he sold it since those were my instructions. We arrive on my old street. There is no sale sign and the lawn has been freshly cut at the house I once owned. I figure someone must be living there. Mikey parks on the side of the road about two houses up and I pull alongside him and turn off the ignition.

  “What did you do?” I ask, figuring he was up to something.

  “Why would I buy your house? It’s a money pit. It needs a ton of work,” he says, laughing.

  He knew the plan was for me to surprise JJ with the house once she moved to Florida. I planned on taking our time and fixing it up together. Back then, I got a great deal, but it needed a lot of work. You can’t beat the location, though. It sits on the canal with a private dock in the back yard. The six other houses on the street also sit along the canal. However, the other houses have all been modernized and updated over time. My plan was to make this house look like the others, eventually. It was my first big purchase. As we stand on the sidewalk, looking at my old house, Mikey points to the immaculately kept modern home we are standing before.

  “This is the house I’m looking to buy,” he says, walking up the driveway. It’s beautiful, just like all of the others on the street. You can see it was recently remodeled.

  “I play for the Rays now. I can’t live in a house like that,” Mikey teases, pointing to my old house. “Besides, that’s your house.” He tosses me the keys.

  “You’re kiddin’, right?” I ask, shocked that he kept my house.

  Thankfully, this kid never listens to me. I loved that house, no matter how much work it needed, and Mikey knew it. We continue up the driveway of the freshly remodeled house and Mikey puts the key in the door.

  “No, I’m serious. This is my house,” he says as he opens the door to a house that is equally as beautiful on the inside. “Actually I sign the papers next week. What do you think?”

  “This is awesome,” I answer, walking around. It’s basically the same layout as the other house, but only modern. We walk out onto the covered lanai with the in-ground pool overlooking the canal. “Awesome,” I repeat, getting ideas of some things I’d like to do in our house.

  “Thanks. The realtor gave me the key to get in today. I wanted you to see it.”

  “Did you really keep my house?” I ask, still unable to grasp it.

  “Yeah. I knew how much it meant to you. I figured if you changed your mind, then you can sell it yourself, but you better not now that I’m your neighbor.”

  “Thanks. I won’t, but it won’t be the same if she doesn’t want me back.”

  “Give her some time.”

  “Definitely. I’ll give her as much time as she needs, I’m not going to push her.” I had to keep saying it over and over again to remind myself not to push her. All I want to do is push her.

  After we are through looking around, we head to my house. I open the door to find everything inside the way it was back then. “Wow, it does look like shit compared to yours,” I joke as we walk around.

  Nevertheless, that’s what I liked about it from the beginning. It would be a project for us to do together. The couple who lived here prior were the original owners; they were too old to keep up on the maintenance of the house. Throughout the years, they never changed a thing.

  “Thanks for leaving it alone,” I say humbly.

  “I know your plan. You and JJ are going to fix it up together,” he says confidently. I wish some of that confidence would rub off on me.

  “Did you tell her about it?” I ask curiously as we step out onto the front porch, locking the door behind us.

  “No. It’s not for me to tell. I get your lawn cut every now and then to keep the neighbors happy. By the way, that’s one more thing you can add to the list,” he jokes. “I told the landscaper if he sees anything go up for sale on the street to let me know. It’s a great street. He called me a couple of weeks ago and I got right on it.”

  “Awesome. It really is a great street,” I agree, taking it in.

  “Yeah, I was gonna bring De ov
er the other day to get her opinion, but never got around to it.”

  “She’ll love it.”

  “I know,” Mikey says, deep in thought as he glances back at his future house.

  We arrive at the stadium early, giving me time to meet with some of the people from management. Everyone seems interested in my progress and word is out that I’m excelling rapidly in the minors.

  ***

  (Jesse)

  I call my dad on the way in to The Blue Martini for my shift.

  “Hi, Dad, what’s up?” I say cheerfully, calling him for the second time that day. I don’t want him worrying about me, knowing he’ll be flying home soon. This morning I filled him in about my run-in with Luke last night. I assured him I was happy we had the chance to talk, but I needed time to sort things out.

  “Hi, Sweetie, are you at work?”

  “I’m heading in now. Where are you? I wanted to see if you feel like stopping in for a bite to eat?”

  “Ah… Hon… I would have loved to, but I’m pulling into the stadium for the game. What’s your schedule tomorrow?”

  “Oh, I didn’t know you were going to the game tonight. Are you with Cheryl?”

  “Uh no… it was a last minute decision,” he says suddenly, sounding evasive.

  “Who are you with?”

  “No one… now.” He hesitates before continuing, “I’m meeting Luke.”

  “Oh.” There’s a moment of silence between us.

  “Are you okay with that?” he asks quietly.

  “Sure, of course. I told you, I was glad we talked. He’s back. I don’t expect everyone to ignore him because of me. He needs his friends, too. He’s been without them for too long.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not everyone, I’m your dad. If you’re uncomfortable with me seeing him, just say the word.”

  “No, really, I’m fine with it. It’ll give you two a chance to talk. Then you and I can sit down together and you can give me some feedback,” I joke.

  “Done.” He laughs.

  Later that night, after my shift, Mya and I arrive home within minutes of each other. I heat up the leftovers I brought from the restaurant while Mya whips up a pitcher of margaritas. We sit on the couch and talk. I tell her about Luke and my dad being at the game together.

  “Jess, you know I’m not the nicest person in the world. I live to give people a hard time, but I have to say… he’s pretty fuckin’ irresistible. I feel for you. I tried to give him such a hard time last night, but even I caved. What are you going to do?”

  I laugh, remembering old times. Luke had always been that way. I tell her about high school and how all of the teachers loved him, how he always got out of trouble; got us both out of trouble.

  “I used to get so mad at him for it,” I say, laughing. “Even, my dad loves him,” I add, shaking my head. “But even though he got away with a lot, he was never a smart ass about it. Now, Mikey on the other hand, he was the smart ass.”

  “That, I can see.” Mya laughs.

  It feels good to be able to talk about some of the good times for a change. I wouldn’t allow myself to remember any of it for a long time.

  ***

  (Luke)

  David and I have a good night. It gives us the chance to discuss JJ. I recap everything I told her last night. I tell him I’m thinking of giving her a call. David reinforces to me not to push her into something she isn’t ready for. I agree and tell him I’m hoping to at least start off by rebuilding our friendship. I figure it’s a good place to start. That, I can live with.

  Chapter 14(Jesse)

  The aroma of coffee fills the air as my dad and I sit at an outside café and enjoy our breakfast. He seems happy with the way I’m handling things. He’s surprised at how relaxed I seem, considering the circumstances. I want to leave him with a good feeling so that he’s not worrying about me while he’s home.

  Before heading to the airport, he drops me off at school.

  I still have a good twenty-five minutes to kill before class so I stroll towards the lake near the fine arts building. Spreading my sweatshirt on the grass, I sit down and take in the fresh air while reading through my art history notes. I have a test coming up at the end of the week and I’ve been lacking in the studying department as of late. As I get through the second page, I’m interrupted by the buzzing of my phone sitting on the green grass beside me. I answer, not recognizing the number.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, JJ,” The voice on the other end is not who I’m expecting. I freeze. “JJ, are you there?”

  “Uh-huh,” is all that I can manage to come from my mouth.

  “Mikey said you didn’t have class till ten so I figured I’d give you a call to see how you’re doin’, do you have a minute?” Luke says sounding a bit winded. I know the tone of his voice as if it’s my own. He’s nervous, but trying to conceal it.

  “Uh… I guess. I’m at school now. My dad dropped me off on his way to the airport, but I have a few minutes before I have to get to class.”

  “I won’t keep you. That’s right, he’s leavin’ today. We had a good time at the game. It sucks they lost, though. It would have been nice to win the series at home.”

  “Yeah, I think they’ll be okay. They only need one more.”

  “Mikey left for Texas this morning.”

  “I know… are you going?”

  “I wish I could, but I can’t. I’m working with the pitching coach all week. I’m actually here now, but I’m on a break… I have to get back soon.”

  “Oh okay, I’ll let you go then,” I answer, cutting him off. My nerves are getting the best of me. It’s difficult making small talk with him, talking as if we’re strangers.

  “Whoa… slow down.” He chuckles. “I have a few minutes.” A pause. “I want to ask you somethin’.”

  “Oh.” My stomach swirls.

  “I was wondering if maybe you felt like getting something to eat with me later.”

  “I can’t… I have work after school,” I answer much too quickly.

  “What about when you’re finished work?”

  “I told Mya I would help her with something and I have a lot of school work. I don’t think I’ll be able—”

  “Ah, c’mon. How about after that? Just for ice cream, Mya can come, too.”

  He’s persistent. I contemplate whether or not to agree, but, if Mya comes…

  “Hello… Are you still there?” he asks after a long period of silence.

  “I’m thinking.”

  “C’mon, it’s ice cream. What’s there to think about?” he teases.

  “I guess,” I whisper, not really sure if I said it out loud.

  “Awesome,” he answers enthusiastically. I guess I did say it out loud. “I’ll call you later. You can let me know a time that works for you.” He pauses. “You’re not going to cancel on me, right? You know, like hang up the phone and spend the rest of the day thinkin’ up a good excuse?”

  “No, I won’t. Especially since you just brought it up, it would be too obvious,” I say dryly, attempting to make a joke.

  He laughs, catching my sarcasm. “Cool. Thanks. I’ll see you later,” he says cheerfully. I hang up the phone and suddenly realize I feel those butterflies again instead of the bats that have taken over my body the last couple of years.

  I somehow manage to get through school and I even spend time in the student center, getting my work completed so I won’t have to worry about it later.

  While I change into my work clothes, it hits me like a ton of bricks. I have yet to face Frank since the night Luke confronted me at the game. Guilt overcomes me, thinking about how fast I had forgotten. He’s been a good friend to me the last several months. I’ve really grown to care about this man and I don’t want to hurt him.

  When I arrive at the gallery, I poke my head into the office, expecting to be greeted by Jazz. Instead, Frank is working at his desk. I didn’t notice his car when I came in.

  “Hi, Frank,” I say sheepishly
.

  “Hi, Jesse, how are you today?” he asks casually, doing paperwork.

  “Good. Is Jazz in?”

  “She called out today,” he answers.

  “Where have you been?” I ask, trying to make conversation.

  “I had a few auctions to attend.”

  “Did you find anything good?” Auctions are one of the things I enjoy attending with Frank. He picks up some really interesting pieces of artwork when he goes. He’s taught me different things to look for while making purchases.

  “Yeah, I did. It’s in the back; go take a look, let me know what you think,” he says excitedly. This is why I like spending time with Frank. We both have the same enthusiasm when it comes to discussing art and discovering new pieces. I turn to leave so I can check out his new find, feeling as if I’ve been let off the hook. “Actually, Jesse, come sit for a minute. There’s something I would like to talk with you about,” he calls out before I have a chance to escape. So much for being let off the hook.

  I slowly turn around and walk towards Jazz’s desk, across from Frank. I’ve been dreading this conversation, but knew we had to have it. I have a lot of respect for Frank, and I owe him an explanation, but finding the words is not coming easy for me.

  He puts down his pen, leans back in his chair and folds his hands on his desk. He senses my uneasiness and takes the lead. “I guess you know what this is about?” he asks, looking me in the eyes. I nod. “I want you to know that the reason I hired you is because of your knowledge of art history. I value your opinion and I admire your work. As far as I’m concerned, nothing has changed. About the other night… you need to do what makes you happy. I can see that there is a lot of history between you and Luke. Things seem to be left unsettled between the two of you. I think we both know that you and I will never really be more than friends.”

  “But Frank… ” I cut in, finding my voice, “…the other night, you asked me how I felt about you. I feel as if I misled you. I swear, I didn’t mean to. I didn’t think he would ever come back. I wanted to move on, but then, suddenly, he’s here and… I really do care about you.” I’m not sure what I’m feeling or what to say to make this less uncomfortable.